A man driving by at 4:30 a.m. saw the fire and alerted the family, who were able to escape unhurt.

Firefighters encountered a heavy fire which burned away much of the roof and destroyed most of the family’s possessions.

The family’s cat has not been found.

St. Cloud Fire Chief Bill Johnston said the fire was caused by a problem with aluminum wiring in the attic.

Heat from the fire scorched the wood of a neighboring home. Surrounding homes were evacuated as a precaution while the fire was burning.

Firefighters have launched an effort to help the family, who had no insurance. They are accepting donations of gift cards, checks or money to the city’s Fire Station 31 at 10th Street and Minnesota Ave.